Recco

Fanning out on the bayfront and staggering up the valley to the hills, the town of Recco sits next to Camogli and presents a pretty, pastel face. Part of the greater Genova area, it sits like its in its own world, except for the train line that takes you to the city in just 45 minutes. Nearby Nervi is just 10 minutes by train, and drops you at the beautiful seafront promenade that wends along the coastline for two kilometers.

Recco takes in the hills and the seaside, and offers many dining options, beaches, water sports and that sunny Riviera atmosphere.

The town has pre-Roman roots as the home of the Casmoriti people, a Liguri tribe. The Romans conquered and called it Recina, situated on the ancient Via Aurelia. The Lombards invaded in 568. In the Middle Ages it was part of the Republic of Genova from the 12th century. The town, along with others along the coast, was sacked and pillaged by Saracens in the 1550s and 1600s. It was known for its boat builders; the Republic of Genova was one of the four great maritime republics of Italy (along with Pisa, Amalfi and Venice). Under French rule in 1797 with Napoleon, and part of the Kingdom of Sardegna in 1815, it was folded into the Republic of Italy in 1861 with the unification under the Savoy dynasty.

The town suffered very heavy bombing by the Allies during WWII, from November 1943 through June, 1945; about 80% of the town's infrastructure was destroyed and more than 130 people died. It was reborn as a resort town and flower-growing zone in the post-war period. Recco is a pleasant, pastel-painted waterfront town on the Golfo Paradiso that isn't as crowded as many of the other riviera resorts.

Despite the damage, there are some churches to see here. The Sanctuary Nostra Signora del Suffragio is on the piazzetta of the same name, it's a pretty neo-classic church with an interior decorated with frescoes and hung with crystal chandeliers.The Madonna del Suffragio is Recco's patron saint and a big celebration is held in her honor every September. It's called the Sagra del Fuoco, and it is something to see. The seven districts of Recco put on a fireworks extravaganza, each one different. There are food stalls and music and dancing, too. It's held September 7-8.

The Church of San Michele and of Santissimo Crocefisso is part of a complex connected to the church of San Francesco, in the heart of town, it stands out with the bell towers.

There are plenty of waterfront eateries and bars, beaches, and a pleasant atmosphere for a walk. What to taste here? The town is famous for its focaccia con formaggio di Recco, that is, a thin focaccia with the local soft cheese in it. You have to try it! Then there is the pansoti, a type of pasta with walnuts sauce; or the trofiette pasta with classic pesto sauce. Another homey pasta is the corzetti, a flat disc pasta that is stamped out, like coins; it's served with a variety of sauces or with potatoes and green beans, or put in soup.